Cat flu

Concerned about cat flu? Find out more about this common cat illness in our guide

What is cat flu?

Cat flu is a common illness affecting the upper respiratory tract in cats. The cat can be infected by viruses or bacteria and cat flu can be life threatening. Cats most likely to be worse affected are the very young, very old or those with a damaged immune system.

What are the signs of cat flu?

There are several signs to look out for in your cat, including:

sneezing

a runny nose and eyes

dribbling,

quiet and subdued behaviour

loss of appetite and a temperature.

If you suspect your cat is ill, take them to see the vet. Your vet may take swabs from the cat to help make a diagnosis and will treat your cat.

How can cat flu be treated?

Your vet vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics and may suggest antiviral drugs and will advise that you care for your cat at home. Keep your cat quiet and comfortable, with access to all their usual resources like food and water. You'll also need to minimise stress, keeping other pets and noisy children away while they recover.

Your vet will be able to advise on helping your cat recover, although this can take several weeks.